We were finally able to attend Camp Taylor! Lots of confusion, lost registration and then an opening at a camp that was around the time of Ava's Cath and a possible third OHS prevented us from attending last year, and I was super heartbroken about it. BUT, it all worked out this year and we even got to attend the same camp as Miss Ava's heart and digeorge bff Madison and my digeorge/heart parent ROCK, Michelle. As well as the rest of the Stone clan. Other heart family friends have shared their stories and pictures of their experiences at Camp Taylor family camp, and was VERY excited but didn't know exactly what to expect since the "camp" we were attending was actually at the Hilton in Santa Clara. Usually it is outdoors in a more camp-like setting and they have activities such as kayaking, archery, relay races, obstacle courses and stuff. Of course, the two G's were hoping for some roller coaster action at Great America(the hotel was literally right next to the theme park), annnd they got their wish!
We arrived at the Hotel at about 3pm, check in time. Our mentor came and greeted us immediately and then we separated and got situated in our room. Took a look at the itinerary...WOAH. They keep you busy with activities from 8am(thank YOU Hilton for having Starbucks available in the lobby), to 9-10pm. The first day there we had our family photo taken, then went to do our first craft, making a family banner. I usually get sort of all perfectionist when it comes to this sort of thing, but decided to just let the kids do their thing and have a good time with it, for once. ;P And they did a most excellent job, too! They must get it from their mama.
Then we went to another room for MORE arts and crafts time. Ava had fun with this, using scissors and glue and all the messy craft elements. G, not so much, but he was an excellent sport and played along very well. Then it was dinner time. Each meal was catered and served buffet-style. During dinner time, each family introduced themselves and their families and shared the diagnosis of their heart camper. It is still so surreal to be surrounded in a room full of families who have gone through so much of what we have. When Ava was first diagnosed I absolutely felt SO alone and isolated, I truly never would of imagined there were so many others out there going through the same thing. After dinner each night they usually let families and/or campers go up on stage and share songs, talents, etc. Super cute.
The next day was GREAT AMERICA time! Greg and I were trying to remember when the last time we had been there was, and I think we concluded that it hasn't been since before children. So we were all excited to spend the day together at the park and meet later for lunch with the group. The boys went off on a few roller coasters while Ava and I checked out the rest of the park. Not too many rides for her, as she isn't tall enough yet, but we found a few. :) Plus, they now have a Snoopy Zone and Ava is ALL about "puppies!". The weather was luckily really nice, which was great for Ava, and for the rest of us who were wearing BLACK heavy cotton shirts(camp shirts). After lunch we all gathered for a group photo, then it was just the heart campers and siblings time. WOW. Another one of those moments, so proud and in awe of every single one of those kids. They were seriously the happiest, friendliest, most energetic bunch I have come across! So inspirational, and they don't even know it.
On the final day the kids got to make build a bears, and many families shared testimonials of their time at Camp Taylor and what it has meant for them. So moving(Tiff, fyi, the tear count was up to about 10 at this point ;P). At the very end each family was presented with amazing little gifts to remember their time at camp by, a scrapbook and mouse pad made by the mentors, an iron on transfer using the family photo taken upon arrival, and each heart child received a shadow heart buddy. It's a special doll that has the heart scar down it's chest. Ava fell in love instantly and the doll, along with the bear she made, haven't left her side yet!
Our family feels so thankful and privileged that we were able to attend such a unique and special event. I know this will come to be a tradition and will be such a positive influence on Miss Ava's life and journey. It was so neat to be in the room at mealtime or out at the pool or at the park with all of the families and see these children running around, playing, showing off their beautiful scars to each other and just being kids. It is such a blessing to have them here and healthy enough to attend these types of events, and the people behind Camp Taylor who make it all possible are amazing! Thank you for letting our family be a part of it. <3
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